As I boredly initiate the posting of the Week 9 Thread, Roethlisberger is questionable as we prepare to face *GASP* the Green Bay Packers.

Two tactical predictions about the Colts-Patriots game:

1. The Pats play most of the game in a 3-4 set. They currently have half of their defensive linemen on the injury report (including every starter except Wilfork), compared with only one linebacker. This also means that they are going to drop more into coverage. If they concentrate against the pass, Edge will hurt them. If they instead concentrate against the run, Peyton will destroy them. Their defense is simply not good enough this year to shut the Colts down in both categories, at least not until the field shortens in the red zone. Watch for the Colts to gain at least 150 yards rushing, but the Patriots have a chance if they bend-don't-break against both the run and the pass.

2. Conversely, on defense the Colts should expect to see a lot of running. Their sack and interception numbers are simply too good to expect Belichick (or whoever's designing the offensive gameplan) to rely on the pass, at least not until they force the Colts to choke up against the run. The Patriots might even try something new, like lining a third TE at fullback, to help take pressure off the young O-line without asking any of their wounded D-linemen to play fullback. If the Colts can consistently stop the run from their base defense, then they should win.

Does anybody know who will be the starting QB for Detroit, and also if it really matters? I heard on NFL Access that Garcia was questionable. Right now I have tentiavely picked Detroit over Minny, but if Harrington's the starter, I want to change my pick.

Right now I have tentiavely picked Detroit over Minny, but if Harrington’s the starter, I want to change my pick.
Garcia's still officially atop the depth chart, but I wouldn't panic. Brad Johnson behind the struggling Vikings O-line doesn't frighten me, and the bad-but-erratic Vikings defense looks like a match-up that gives Harrington a reasonable chance for that game he gets every year, in which he tries to make you think that he might be a viable starter.

Let's dispense with the pleasantries and get right to it. If you honestly think the Colts have a chance of beating the Pats then you know nothing about football. The Pats have the heart of a champion which no stat can measure. I'll be shocked if the Colts keep it within 20.

Aaron--Just trying to get the discussion on this weeks games going a little early. I was previously unaware of the Manning v. Brady rule. My bad.

Where do I go to discuss whether Tom Brady is better than Eli Manning?

Hey Starshatter, as a guy who I know watches Patriots with fervor and attention, what do you think of Wilfork?

Wilfork has good quickness and seems like he's reading the play acceptably well, but it seems like he can get pushed out of the way by double-teams sometimes. In the Buffalo game, it seemed like every time the Bills wanted to run up the middle they were just able to push him out of the way.

I'm hoping that with Seymour in he won't get double-teamed as much and he'll be able to at least slow RBs down a little...not that I'm excusing Monty Beisel for his lousy tackling, but when Willis McGahee gets a full head of steam coming through the line instead of having to slow down to get around a NT it makes the linebacker's job a lot harder.

ABW (#9 )--

I'm not as good at reading line play as some others, but here's my take: he's a solid, dependable player. Not a superstar. There may be Pro Bowls in his future, but he needs to grow some more. (As a player; he's plenty big as a testament to the powers of eating your way to success in the NFL.)

He gets pushed back by double-teams sometimes, but he's not Richard Seymour, or even Ted Washington. More like a Ty Warren -- one of the many solid, dependable players that mainly hold their ground and let the playmakers make the plays. Nothing wrong with that, and well worth the #21 pick they spent on him.

In the Buffalo game in particular, remember that Wilfork was the only healthy D-line starter, and they couldn't rotate linmen the way they like to since some backups were also hurt. Despite this, and despite the yards they gave up, they gave up no rushing touchdowns and none from the red zone. That, plus the win, makes his play acceptable.

And as for Beisel's tackling, he has three problems: he's smaller (by at least a dozen pounds) than any of the Patriots' starting linebackers from last year, he overpursues sometimes, and he tends to tackle high, which lets strong runners like McGahee or Tomlinson drag him downfield.

Two of these problems are coachable, so I expect him to get better as the season goes on. Or else Dean Peas and Pepper Johnson will have him drawn, quartered, and served raw at the team buffet, pour encourager les autres.

Does anyone else see the Chargers winning 5 in a row? I don't see how that isn't happening. Then we'll get HypeBowl 2.

RE #12: The Chargers have proved them selves perfectly capable of losing games they can should win, so I'm not expecting them to win 5 in a row.

Oh, I agree that Wilfork's a good player. He's certainly not a bust. I mean, he's a guy who's starting at a tough position in his second year, and his play has certainly been acceptable, even better than acceptable a lot of the time - when he gets a step on an OL he gets in the QBs face really fast. He's not just quick for a guy his size - he's quick, period. But there's definitely room for improvement, and a good 3-4 NT(e.g. Jamal Williams) has got to be basically immovable, which Wilfork is not right now. So have another cheeseburger Vince!

I hope you're right about Beisel getting better. And if not, the thought of Dean Peas serving Beisel tartare is pretty funny.

For those that haven't heard, Harrington is starting

I noticed the PIT-GB game starts at 4:15, while all the other late games are at 4:05. What's the deal? I don't usually pay attention to start times (other than, "After the early game ends) - is this normal? Has this been going on for years, and I've just been too dense to notice?

Re #15: Luckily for him, since he's facing Minny's lack of offensive line and Brad Johnson, this might be the first time that Harrington has been the better QB in the game.

16. The network with the doubleheader usually starts its late game at 4:15 Eastern. That's so the first quarter isn't overlapped by the end of the first game, just most of it.

I'm a unapologetic Pats fan and I could see Indy winning this game. Indy does have a pretty good team this year, and it's ironic that the year the league is completely screwed up and crazy the Colts are undefeated to this point. The way this season has been, the game should end in a tie with the score of 6-6 from three Indy safetys and two field goals from NE.

Are any of the other Giants fans on this board as absolutely petrified of this week's game as I am? It's completely irrational; the Giants should by 30 or more-that's what the numbers tell me. But man, this has the number one NFL "BS dump" written all over it: "the letdown game".

Plus, growing up a Giant fan in the late 80's-early 90's triggers a defense mechanism when I see the 49ers on the schedule.

19:

plus 6 combined missed Vanderjagt and Vinatieri FG, including one each in overtime.

#21: "Vinatieri" "missed" "FG."

Them's fightin' words. Nice knowing you.

"Raul Allegre's Revenge" —

Yeah I think this matchup on paper is a total mismatch for NY.

However the Giants don't play well on the West Coast.

Haven't beaten the 49ers since 1991.

Play bad against backup QB's see Krenzel & Kitner.

And have inexplicable losses, see Houston in 2002.

This game has worried me more than either Denver or Washington.

Bettis and Big Ben out.

McNair will be able to go despite back problems.

Harrington starts for Garcia. Roy Williams will probably start, but they aren't sure how much he can do.

Cadillac Williams is fine and will start. Derrick Brooks will play.

Ed Reed is out for the next two weeks. Ray Lewis is out a month. Tommy Polley and Carter start. Boller will be the 3rd QB.

Domanick Davis is a gametime decision. If not, it'll be Wells and Morencey. Andre Johnson might be able to go, but he'll be limited.

Randy Moss is better than last week, will probably play 25-30 plays, but isn't 100%. Holmes and Roaf are out for KC. Trent Green will play.

Bobby Engram will start. Boldin out two weeks. Kurt Warner starts.

Seymour is a gametime decision most likely for tomorrow night. Corey Dillon might play, but he's in bad shape. Tarik Glenn will start for the Colts.

ESPN just reported that T.O. got into a fistfight in the locker room during the week, which helped lead him to being suspended.

Man, this guy is the gift that keeps on giving!

Jay Glazer just reported on FOX that the Eagles and Brian Westbrook have agreed to a new 6 year deal and they hope to have it signed before tonights game.

TAKE THAT T.O.!

Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens Terrell Owens

#21: “Vinatieri� “missed� “FG.�

Them’s fightin’ words. Nice knowing you.

Hey, you can't ice Vinatieri!
*Vinatieri misses*
... oh.

Jonathan Wells will start at RB against Jax. This could get ugly quickly.

Did anyone catch Pam Anderson on the Fox pre-game? Was that not the weirdest thing ever?

Must have been cold in the studio.

Although the best part was when James Brown at the end said "Sorry but i'm a little too dark to blush right now."

Okay, maybe that wasn't the BEST part......

I for one am looking forward to Adam's weekly send-up of the ESPN crew. I fully expect to be bleeding from the ears after forty-five seconds of wall-to-wall T.O. analysis, with every single play, even on special teams, discussed in the context of the T.O. drama.

"And here's Hall for the kick... and it's THROUGH THE UPRIGHTS!!!!"

"Boy, you know, wow. The field goal defense team might be distracted by this whole T.O. situation, don't you think?"

I can already hear Theisman warming up for the gamecast tonight. TO..TO...TO...TO...TO..TO...TO...TO...TERRELL OWENS...TO..TO...TO...TO...TO..TO...TO...TO...TERRELL OWENS...DONOVAN MCNABS MOTHER.

Linked is a great audio set up of any game involving Tedi Bruschi.

I salute that man. Whoever he is.

#28: To be fair, you don't really ice anyone. I don't know how this got started, but the kicker knows going in they might get "iced" and when they do they just go through their progressions, getting ready for the kick all over again as if the last time hadn't happened. It's a pretty ridiculous strategy that everyone takes as gospel. You'd get the same effect if, every other kick, you had your linemen wear red dots on their helmets.

Someone at CBS is living in the past...on their favorite matchups list, they had Mark Brunell still playing for Jacksonville.

CBS is pretty bushleague

I get the feeling my comments this week will be all Kansas City's idiotic lack of tackling ability, all the time.

Good 1st game tonight in the UK, Panthers @ Buccaners. I'm not sure what to make of the late game. Steelers at Packers could be horrible, but you never know.

Nugent sucks... hahahahahaah

Andre Johnson is in there. It's so hard to find out who is playing before the games start, because the coaches never say. That's against NFL policy, but coaches have been getting away with fudging injury status all year long...

Does anyone have a link for a good internet radio station with general game chatter. I can get Field Pass but none of the early games inspire me enough to want to listen to commentary, whereas I'll happily listen to ramblings about all the games in progress.

I thank you...

Give me $400,000 a year to stand next to WRs and let me watch them catch passes...at least I'll tackle them.

10-0 Panthers. After Cadillac fumbles the Panthers punch it in.

And I don't know what that was on the ensuing kickoff. Looked like Pacman was trying to lateral it, or he just cavalierly tossed it up in the air. These Titans frustrate and confuse me.

Oh! Now I get the fistfight. TO was defending his jersey from the kangaroo mascot!

See, he IS a team player.

The Jets had 4th and a half a yard and they punted. Unbelievable.

And now you are 2-6.

Well it's no mystery why Jamal Lewis is running so well.

The Cincinnati defensive line is lining up nearly a yard from the line of scrimmage, and the Baltimore line can get momentum and just overpower them.

San Diego is gashing the Jets. LDT put a sweet move on Ty Law in open field and then glided into the end zone.

Statement of the obvious, but having Gates and LDT as receiving options on the same play is sick, not to mention decent WRs.

Detroit punted to Minnesota. 60 yard punt to the 6, and then a penalty on the Vikings to make it half the distance. Detroit punts from their 34 and Minny gets the ball on their 3.

Oh, and Michael Bennett is making the most of his rare playing time.

And Kinney holds on the fake punt. Reggie Bush, here we go.

Simms throw a 50 bomb to Galloway. TD Tampa. This was a great throw.

Senor Mexico is 7/8 for 77 yds. How is this happening?

Curtis Martin just scored his 100th career touchdown. No fireworks, though.

Jets show some life on offense... big play was a long pass to Baker inside the 10, but they were able to get the job done in the red zone.

Can Congress pass a law mandating that the NFL not go to commercial after any kicker or punter puts their foot on the ball... is that the rule?

Chris Simms is having a pretty good game so far, although that might just be because he's had excellent protection.
That may change. Kenyatta Walker is up against Julius Peppers and just had 3 false starts on 4 snaps, which doesn't bode well.

1. The Ravens suck.

2. Ray Lewis is the greatest leader that has ever played football, according to the CBS announcers doing this game anyway.......

Missed exchange gives Titans the ball! Maybe the offense can get something going!

Or maybe the Titans decide to go for a 50 yard field goal in killer wind and come away with more points. At least it's still only a 7 point deficit.

What's happening in Minnesota? 17-0.

RE #57:

Just to piss the Eagles off, the Jets should have stopped the game, brought out a pure bronze statue of Curtis Martin, switched on Mr. Perfect's theme music, and forced everyone to bow and pray to it like the golden calf.

That, my friends, is how you celebrate a 100th TD scored.

Harrington fumble.

Minnesota, 17-0.

Harrington interception.

Minnesota, soon to be 24-0.

Put in Orlovsky. Please, make it stop.

RE #63:

Atlanta fans apologizing would mean that Atlanta has 1) real fans or 2) fans that can read.

This is the same group that threw Chris Chandler underneath a bus after they drafted Vick. They could give a crap less about a QB that got them to the Super Bowl and more about a QB that hasn't thrown 3 TDs in a single game. Hell, they didn't even get exited when their backup did. If Vick didn't play for that team, most ATLiens could care less about the Falcons.

Just to piss the Eagles off, the Jets should have stopped the game, brought out a pure bronze statue of Curtis Martin, switched on Mr. Perfect’s theme music, and forced everyone to bow and pray to it like the golden calf.

For a "Catholic", that was mighty Old Testament.

3-8-CIN 33 (:40) (Shotgun) A.Wright pass to P.Johnson to CIN 14 for 19 yards (I.Ohalete). no huttle

Ahh, we all love the monkeys updating Gamecenter.

Anyone watching the Jacksonville-Houston game? Does Jacksonville's offense look as bad as the score indicates?

OK, ten bucks to anyone who can prove he predicted the OAK/KC game to be 6-3 at the half.

RE #67:

The way the Jets season has been so far, I figure God would have just flooded Giants Stadium and gave the Chargers a huge lightning-bolt shaped ark to float way to safety on, but I was being kind.

#65 Thanks, z. Guess I picked the right week to start the Minnesota defense.

Oh yeah...sorry about how things are going today. At least Purdue won yesterday.

RE: 5

I hope you're being sarcastic. If not, I worry about your mental state and intelligence (or lack thereof).

Hey! Detroit scored a rushing touchdown! Maybe I have a chance since I'm playing against Tomlinson and need Kevin Jones to step up.

Wait, you say they handed it to someone else? Pinner? PINNER?

cry.

With Brad Johnson in MIN throwing TD passes, it almost makes me want to put on my N.W.O. T-shirt and listen to some Limp Bizkit.

re jax offense . . . yes, they look terrible . . . they refuse to throw downfield . . . funny because at the beginning of the season, Leftwich was raving about the new "vertical" offense that was installed . . .

OK, 9-6. But still...

I think the Ravens just got robbed of a Defensive Touchdown by a horrible whistle.

Yeah. They got robbed. Bengals fumble. Will Demps picks it up and runs down the sidelines, but while he's running the refs blow the play dead for no reason.

Ravens get the ball, but no touchdown.

And of course........they go 3 and out........

What a disaster of a call.

#78 Agreed. Unfortunately the official that blew the whistle was screened from the play a bit. Should have been 6 for Baltimore.

After being completely dominated (statistically, at least), the Jets are now within a score. Do the Chargers get tight, or do they turn it back up and blow them out?

Jets playcalling after 1st-and-goal from the 8:

Run up the middle: loss of 3.
Out pattern to Coles at the 7.
Out pattern to Baker at the 5.
Field goal.

Beautiful TD pass from C. Palmer to uh...#15...C. Henry.

And today's officiating has been brought to you by WTF Industries, Inc.

Wow, the refs screwed Baltimore again.

The refs have been throwing games against the Ravens this year. I'm getting suspicious.

Oops. Billick is challenging the call. I'm not sure if he's doing any coaching today, but he certainly is burning plenty of calories yelling at the officials. (He's going to lose this challenge, too.)

Shows what I know. Billick wins the challenge.

But don't you know the refs have the toughest job in sports? They do an amazing job and us simple peasants could never dream of doing the job they do.

Or something like that.

And Billick won the challenge by the way.

Wow. Who paid off the refs today?

Missed fumble.

Rudi Johnson runs backwards on a simple off-tackle play...-11 yards. Aaron, I'm a little fuzzy on the good/bad thing. Does that count as a success?

How the HELL do you lose 11 yards on a straight running play?

I hate to bring up fantasy discussions, but if your opponent started Tomlinson this week, you lost. 4 TDs already.

OHMAGAWD!! That's...that's Kordell Stewart's music!!

And our old Pittsburgh friend Kordell Stewart is in to do something other than punt.

Well, they're not containing Stewart, and he's not afraid to get hit...
Watch out, Cincinnati. GO SLASH!

The old Pittsburgh reverse pass to the quarterback. Stewart was wide open and nearly made an incredible catch.

I can't wait to see the head official on the NFL network talk about any blown plays this week... that guy blows.

The NFL officials never admit when they mess up.

Why can't the NFL add in instant replays for "down by contact" and "whoops we blew that one dead by mistake"?

That was awesome...almost.

Brooks Bollinger is in... I hope the Jets run the option.

... and the refs blow another play. PI called on San Diego on a clearly uncatchable ball...

How come the NFL can't emphasize that PI should only be called on balls that are uncatchable? I haven't seen them rule a ball uncatchable since 1997.

34-7 Panthers. Tampa have issues. Their LT is out, and Todd 'The Turnstile' Stussie is in. The results have been predictable.
Simms looked good early in the game, but with a suspect OL and being forced to abandon the (admittedly ineffective) running game, the 2nd half has been trying.

For Carolina, their front 4 has been very good and if Steve Smith isn't on the All-Pro shortlist I'd be amazed.

Bollinger TD pass!!! Jets first TD pass since week 3

I was Kordell Stewarts biggest supporter in Pittsburgh and I hope he brings the Ravens back for the victory today.

#82
Another chance for the Jets
Run up the middle, 1 yard gain.
Pass to FB in the flat... touchdown.

I guess it's only fun if they screw up in the red zone.

Even though I hate the Ravens. We need the Ben-Gals to lose.........

GameCenter on crack again:

1st and 10, ball on CIN 30
Last Play: 3-10-CIN 25(14:00) S.Graham 93 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.St. Louis, Holder-K.Larson.

Gamecenter strikes again:

S.Graham 93 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.St. Louis, Holder-K.Larson.

Bengals take over on their own 9 yard line.

1-10-CIN25 (14:00) J.Johnson left end to CIN 25 for no gain ([56]).
2-10-CIN25 (14:00) C.Palmer sacked at CIN 25 for 0 yards ([42]).
3-10-CIN25 (14:00) S.Graham 93 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-B.St. Louis, Holder-K.Larson.

What does all of this mean?

Re #104:

It's not the execution, it's the playcalling. There is no value in throwing a 2-yard out on 3rd-and-goal at the 7.

According to the NFL, Bengals' PK just kicked a 93 yard FG. Must have been some kind of wind (to blow fingers that far off the keyboard).

Hello Jets defense. If you're not going to cover Gates, just bring those LBs on a blitz to get pressure.....

Interesting fact: In 2002, Jonathan Wells had the lowest DPAR of any running back from 2000-2004. David Carr also had the lowest DPAR of any QB in that time period that year as well.

Lorenzo Neal has been stopped on the Jets 1 on 3 separate possessions.

"4th and 56, ball on CIN 25
Last Play: 3-9-BAL 28(10:50) C.Palmer sacked at CIN 25 for -47 yards (C.Williams)."

Is Gamecenter smoking the pipe, or did Cincy Really screw it up?

Does anybody understand what Dierdorf (sp.) said about Terrell Ownens NOT being suspended?

TO was not suspended, rather is inactive. Technical difference, means TO gets paid

The Jets' starting QB, RB, WR, and TE have all been injured in today's game.

Can we all pretty much agree that God hates the New York Jets?

NOOOOOOO!!!!!

Changed to the scheduled viewing in the UK. We are blessed with Chicago @ Freakin New Orleans!

My god, they've just shown the stadium, and there are more poeple in my house (3), than at the stadium (0).

If the good people of Louisiana can't be fagged tp watch this game, why must we be subjected to it? :(

James, who were you supposed to see?

Sweet play, and the Jets have an excellent chance here.

Abraham and Vilma

Wow!
SD trying to run time off the clock... 3rd and 14, Brees goes back to pass, fumbles and Jets recover at the 30 yard line with 3 minutes left.

He goes with the trendy call and gets burned!

I don't need to see the f'ing kneel downs at the end of a 21-9 game! Switch me to Jets-Chargers!!!!

3-9-CIN25 (15:00) (Shotgun) K.Stewart right end to CIN 25 for no gain (D.O'Neal).
1-10-CIN15 (14:32) J.Lewis right guard to CIN 11 for 4 yards (B.Robinson, D.Clemons).

WTF?

Thank you, CBS, for switching coverage to SD-NYJ from CIN-BAL immediately after the latter game ended.

I find myself rooting for the underdog Jets, despite being in San Diego territory...

San Diego gets a lot of love, but they sure do lose a lot for a team of their supposed calibur. Their the professional version of Notre Dame.

maybe God's just testing the jets. maybe that's what it is.

Nate,

The advertised game was Steelers @ Packers.
Now we get New Orleans, and I wasn't joking, there can't be more than 3,000 people at the game.

Wow, did we need to see the zoomed in shot of Wayne Crebet as he suffered a concussion?

Jets are going to have it first and goal at the 3 with a chance to win it right here

Yeah, Randy Cross has declared a holy war on TO. Most people are talking about how they need to mollify him, Cross is talking about any owner picking him up should be a "laughing stock."

I don't entirely agree with him, but it's a good sentiment.

How is that not interference?

They should have called pass interference on Jamar Fletcher. Horrible call.
Now it looks like the Jets may be finished.

And now the game is over. Refs cost the Jets the game.

What a disappointing end for the Jets. First-and-goal from the 3, one rush for 1 yard, followed by three incomplete passess.

Defensive PI would have been called on second down.

COULD have been called. Pardon.

Can someone please tell me why the stupid dolphin coaching staff chose to pass on 3rd and 3 by the endzone? The Fins backs were averaging 5.5 yards per carry! What a bad call. Feel free to roundly shout me down.

#135 I disagree. That's essentially a jump ball. The ref shouldn't reward the offense when each player is fighting for position. Besides, they already gave the Jets a gift first down on the personal foul call. Edwards started that tackle inbounds...I don't think it merited a penalty.

James,

I think I'd rather watch that NO game rather than the NY/SF game.

The national weather service just issued an unknown event for my area. What do you think it means? I'm betting it's an alien attack.

Correction Randy Cross: This is a classic 1:38 drill. And they've only been practicing that since week 5.

NO return the opening KO 56 yds. Antwain Smith has a 52 yd run to set up 1st & goal at the 3. NO has to kick the FG.
Bear 1st drive and Orton gets picked on a ball his WR tipped. Aaron Stecker promptly coughs up a fumble to hand the ball back to the Bears.

This is already ugly

Well, Jebmak, what you want to do in a case like that is put the ball in your best player's hands...Gus Frerotte?

B, if you're talking the northern New York/VT alert, that's a wind advisory. Forecastfox has been giving me the same thing all day.

Chiefs have first and goal at the 1 yard line with 5 seconds left, and they're going for the TD.

great call KC, believe in your teams strength, took some balls there, good call!

Kudos to Dick Vermiel. Think he reads Krasker?

Aaaaaaand KC wins! 5 seconds left, down 3, on the 1 yard line, and they go for it, Larry Johnson for the touchdown and the win.

Gee, I wonder if TMQ will be mentioning that play call.

T.

Dick Vermeil is my God.

Heh. The Raiders have left the field after the TD, and the refs are trying to round them up for the extra point attempt. Go for 2 KC! Go for the cover!

Chris Baker is out for the season with a broken ankle, if anyone cares.

Wow, Vermiel puts the game and season on the legs of Johnson! What a gutsy call.

The best part of that KC call was how Cross kept insisting that it was going to be a quick pass, even as they lined up in a no-receiver set, and even as they handed off.

Vermeil definitely has balls. But are they crazy-balls or stupid-balls? That play call was a coin flip for the win or loss.

#75 nominated for post of the year.

#157: So, overtime, then? His defense sure as heck wouldn't stop them if they won the toss.

Re #157: Well, it's the 1 yard line instewad of the 2 yard line that you would have for a 2-point conversion. I'd say KC's chances to get 1 yard against Oakland's run defense is better than the 50-50 you would get in OT.

#97: Players are coached, from pee wee league up, to stop playing after the whistle. If you let guys go after loose balls after the whistle, someone's going to get killed. Yell at the refs for blowing the whistle early if you want, but the play HAS TO be over when the ref blows his whistle.

NF:

Vermiel showed he believes his team can execute what they do best.

Also, Vermiel is not Mike Martz.

I think Vermiel really put the game in the hands of his offensive line because a 1 yard run is more o-line than RB. Either way though gutsy call.

Anybody notice that the clock in the KC-OAK game read 0:03 when Larry Johnson hit the ground in the end zone, and the timekeeper let the clock run out? Not that Oakland would have had much of a chance to run a squib kick back for a TD, but that would be better than no chance.

#157:

It's a coin flip if your coin has 3 sides, and 2 sides are good. The Chiefs' "power success" rate for this year is 65%. Last year - 70%. Year before - 67%.

Power Success: Percentage of runs on third or fourth down, two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown. Also includes runs on first-and-goal or second-and-goal from the two-yard line or closer.

Besides, if they kick the FG instead, then there's a coin flip to see who gets the first shot at scoring, and the way the defenses were playing in the last part of the game, I'd bet whoever won the flip would win the game.

So that play avoided a coin flip for the win or loss.

To be more concise, I think calling that run gave them about a 67% chance of winning, while kicking the field goal would have given them about a 50% chance of winning.

Matthew: re #97

They couldn't implement replay on the "whoops, I blew the whistle plays". Players stop playing when the whistle blows. If they were to allow replays of "whoops, I blew the whistle", then players would _have to_ keep on hitting other players after the whistle blows because -who knows?- the "whistle" might be overturned. Good luck figuring out how to call late hits and how to keep people from getting hurt.

164 - I did notice that, though chance it would matter is minimal. I've seen that also happen in some other games on field goals.
Like how they have to kick the XP at the end, guess that's mainly for betting purposes (but line was 4.5 so didn't matter). Think I saw Kerry Collins on the XP block team there becuase most of team was in locker room

"Anybody notice that the clock in the KC-OAK game read 0:03 when Larry Johnson hit the ground in the end zone, and the timekeeper let the clock run out? Not that Oakland would have had much of a chance to run a squib kick back for a TD, but that would be better than no chance."

Yes, it did strike me as odd. But here's my hypothesis. Since it was a TD and not a FG the Chiefs have the option of lining up for a two-point conversion. They could intentionally false start to force a ten second run-off to end the game and avoid a kickoff. Don't know if that's how a penalty would be enforced in that situation but maybe that explains it.

Okay, who gave Tommy Maddox the Charlie Batch mask?

I guess we're now in the Charlie Batch experience.

It's kind of like a hangover, but with more of a headache.

#169 The extra point is an untimed down, so that strategy would not work.

169 - interesting theory but I'm pretty sure clock doesn't run on XP and two point conversion

Ooo ... bad INT pass by Charlie Batch in Green Bay to start off the interception competition.

OMG that was sweet.

How did the Steelers manage to line up two blitzers on that side and Green Bay not have any one back to help pick them up?

Now Farve coughs up the ball for 6!

The Turnover Bowl is definitely underway!

#176: One back? Green Bay didn't have any blockers to stop the blitzers.

Oh Man.

Kyle Orton is sacked, fumbles and NO recover. THE VERY NEXT PLAY Brooks throws it back to the Bears.
Words fail me.

Great awareness by McFadden, getting up after the forced fumble and throwing a block for Polamalu. That's not something you always see from a rookie.

As a rookie, with three games plus a quarter, he now has 2 passes defensed, an interception to force an overtime, and a sack + forced fumble.
I like this guy.

Uhh, nevermind.
where did the giants running game go? They're averaging 1.7 yards per carry.

Orton throws it straight back to NO. This is the very definition of "cover your eyes bad".

Bad announcer alert: on 4th and short, the announcers speculate on what the Jints should do, unanimous aggreement that they should hand the ball to Brandon Jacobs. He gets stuffed. After the commercial break, the announcers go on and on about what a bad descision it was by the Jints to hand the ball off in that situation (this is when we hear the 1.7 YPC stat)

go go messy struggle! Steelers look to be choking the life out of Green Bay already, though.

183--You're saying Bill Maas is a bad announcer? I'm stunned.

Seahawks run defense continues to look stout. Seahawks pass defense continues to look like their weakness.

Man, GB looks really bad.

That was an awesome catch by Brandon Lloyd. One handed catch behind him.

I agree that calling the run gave them the best shot if they were going for it, and that trying to avoid overtime is a good idea, but the Raiders defense should have known it would be a run, and the play ends up being 11 guys trying to stop one guy with the ball from getting into the endzone and 10 other guys trying to block for him. There is no element of surprise (unless you're playing Randy Cross) and the game comes down to which side of the line can get more push when the ball is snapped. Turns out Kansas City had enough, and the line moved far enough that Johnson could leap over it for the touchdown.

In overtime the outcome of the game can still be influenced by strategy. My point is that sometimes in a choice between one play that can win the game or going to overtime, the one play might have the offense at a disadvantage, and that it would be better to go to overtime and try to get circumstances more advantageous. In a nutshell, if Vermeil calls a play to go for a touchdown from the 4-yard line, that's stupid-balls. On the 1-yard line going for it is more likely a smart gutsy call rather than a stupid gamble. What I wondered was if he would have tried for a TD at the 4-yard line as well.

I think Kyle Orton is having problems with the crowd noise.

Wow... Arizona has earned the 3rd challenge flag. I don't think I have ever seen that before.

And Green Bay snaps the ball 19 times on a 17-play, 71-yard drive that results in no points (79 yards counting penalties as 0-yard plays).

TMQ Stats of the Week, anyone?

That was a nice catch Burleson had in the MIN/DET game. Vermiel definitely made the right call. PIT is going to beat GB 26-6 :)

re #191: I think that was a booth review (inside the last 2:00 of the half), so no 3rd review for ARI yet.

Aaron, I think Alexander read some articles from FO where it was stated that Alexander isn't worth the money that he wants while he was in the bathroom before the half. He just busted off a 88-yard TD run in the first play of the second half.

What's the deal with GB? Favre seems to be having a pretty good game, and the running game looks servicable, if not spectacular, from the stats. Is it just the turnovers that have left them down by 10?

Isn't illegal shift a dead-ball foul? Did it used to be? Have I completely lost it?

Re 197: It's not one this year. I don't recall what it was in the past.

Here's a rules question: PIT-GB game. Packers called for an illegal shift. Penalty offset by pass interference against Taylor.

If there's an illegal shift, why is the offense allowed to run a play at all? Why isn't the play blown dead at the snap? Taylor's PI came defending a play that was already by rule illegal.

In this case this was a fairly significant application of the rule. GB got another crack at third down, converted, and later went in for a score.

So to start the 2nd Half in Baton Rouge:

Chicago go 3 & out.
Antwain Smith fumbles, Bears recover.
Bears have 3rd & 9, Orton called for Intentional Grounding.
Bears miss a 47yd FG try.

Meanwhile it looks like a game in Green Bay. (sigh).

You'll be sorry you missed this one.

Sorry. Missed Fnor's post.

Hasselbeck's passing numbers are going to be low again this week, because Alexander's running all over the place, and passing seems gratuitous at this point. Is Hasselbeck the real Anti-Peyton?

Is it me, or is there a "block in the back" penalty called on every punt?

How hard is it to avoid this penalty? I mean... you see the guy's back, don't block him.

Seems simple to me...

And.... the first INT of the day for Favre. Tipped pass and intercepted by Tyrone Carter.

And.... Duce casually strolls in for the TD. Steelers lead 20-10.

RE: 205

The greatest part about that play was that Staley slowed to a slow jog at the four, before he even left the backfield.

jeez... you know you are in trouble when the Mo Morris is stabbing you for 12 two plays in a row.

I hate Brandon Jacobs. Stop vulturing TDs from Tiki. Or Eli, for that matter.

RE: 32

The Three Stooges have to have one player to talk about, or they get confused. Last week it was Bruschi, this week it's Owens. ESPN wants to make it easy on them so they don't have to remember too many names or anything.

Argh.... stupid kick coverage...

Why didn't Green Bay take the figgie there?

48-yard field goal or fourth-and-6 when the defense has momentum? I take the field goal. You need one score either way.

Game over. Thank you, Green Bay coaching staff.

In his defense, they did mention that he went and asked Longwell about the kick and Longwell said no. Pretty wise, though. You need to trust your kicker.

Bears win 20-17 on a last gasp FG. Bear also win the turnover battle 4-3.

Matt Leinart may want to start working out how he can minimise the PR fallout of saying he doesn't want to play in New Orleans next year.

BTW, I have a day off work tomorrow, so I will see SNF. Is the commentary really as bad as all that?

After you said that I thought - what if NO got sold to a group in Los Angeles and with the first pick they selected Leinhart to get the fans excited. If this was the NBA it would be totally plausible.

The Bears survived their worst defensive performance since week 1, and Orton's second worst performance of the year, to pull out a close one in New Orleans.
Benson put up nice numbers in his first real action of the year, but all the yards were on two plays basically. Most of the others were just run-into-the-back-of-my-guard, then-fall-down.
Bears looked flat from the first play. I'm ecstatic to have a win.

Nate:

Agreed.

Man, was I dead wrong about Tommie Harris. Between being dumb and coming out of the Big 12 I thought he was going to be just another big guy who every so often gets in the way but rarely makes a series of plays.

He's solid. Which with these linebackers is all you need.

214: James, most of us find the SNF crew to be laughably incompetent. Theismann is an idiot, but what annoys me most is Bob Trumpy's unending heated exclamations over the most uncontroversial of subjects. Bon appetite.

214:

Yes, it is. In fact, the commentators on SNF are worse now then they have ever been. I blame Phil Maguire. He is a fool too many in the booth.

After the afternoon games, we've got some good movement in the beatpaths power rankings. Carolina, Chicago, Cleveland, and Minnesota all move up more than three slots. Arizona, the Jets, and Miami all move down more than three.

Carolina could end up having an absolutely incredible week if New England beats Indianapolis, because Carolina's beatpath over New England re-appeared this week.

Click my name to see the graphs.

Phil?

Correction: I said Bob Trumpy, but meant Paul Maguire. Been so long since I've listened to something other than CDs while the Sunday night games were on, I scrambled my eras.

I completely agree with #139 on both points.

There is no way that it was PI on second down at the end of the Chargers/Jets game. I just watched it on the DVR several times. The DB is turned and leaping for the jump ball. If you want to call that defensive PI, then we'll be headed in a direction where any and all contact is the defense's fault and shouldn't be allowed because the princess wide receivers should be allowed to catch every ball ... oh, wait ...

Did I see a stat that the Steelers only convert 3d and 8+ yards 15% of the time?

Sounds really low. Anyone got access to those stats and how they compare?

I'd be suprised if the NFL average for 3rd and 8+ is higher than 25%.

I wish I had a dollar for everytime I heard Phil Simms say "WATCH BRETT FAVRE ON THIS PLAY."

Terrell Who?

Whatever shall the Eagles do without T.O.?

Wide Recievers = Interchangeable

Reggie Brown runs TO's route across the middle and waltzes into the end zone from 50-some yards away.

7-0 Philly.

Re 228: That would be Brett Favre's farm.

HI-O!

If you were watching the football game, you just missed the best sitcom intro of all time. Family Guy rocks.

Commentator:

"I've always been impressed, he catches the ball with his hands"

As opposed to catching it with his teeth? I have a bad feeling about these guys.

What's with Portis' sock? He's only wearing one, and its a different color than the rest of the Skins? I better ask Uni Watch.

Re 234: I hate to stick up for the three amigos, but "Catches the ball with his hands" means a receiver reaches out and gets the ball, instead of letting it hit his chest and cradling it.

Was it Maguire that just gratuitously brought up Bruschi and Owens?

Mike Patrick: Oh, and Joe Gibbs has thrown the red flag. The red flag is on the field and we are going to see a challenge here.

Paul Maguire: LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING. THERE IS NO WAY THAT THIS IS A CATCH. NO WAY. LET ME TELL YOU, IF THIS IS A CATCH I'LL WALK OUTTA HERE NEKKID TONIGHT.

Joe Theisman: This week Joe Gibbs stressed the importance of protecting the football. And not only protecting the football but CATCHING the football as well. When we had a chance to sit down with him this week he said that his team has got to do a better job protecting the football.

Mike Patrick: I couldn't agree more with him.

Paul Maguire: Right here on this pass you see his foot is clearly in bounds but watch right here........RIGHT HERE. If you don't see the ball move right there you don't know what you're watching.

Mike Patrick: Lets check in with Suzy Kolber real quick on the sidelines, Suzy, what do you have for us?

Suzy Kolber: Well Mike I spoke with Eagles head coach Andy Reid before the game and he told me that Terrel Owens was being suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules, when asked to elaborate, he told me that he wouldn't talk about it anymore. Mike, back to you.

Mike Patrick: Thanks Suzy, well guys, we've had a chance to watch the replay. What do you think?

Joe Theisman: I spoke with NFL referee Ed Hocchuli this week and he told me that these challenges are a real challenge. haha.

Paul Maguire: There is no way this is a catch. When you watch right here the ball moves. This is not a catch.

Mike Patrick: Well we'll soon find out here comes the call.

Referee: Upon further review, the ruling on the field stands, it is a catch.

Paul Maguire: Well watch right here, heres what the Referee saw and heres why he called it catch. See the ball right there? He's got that secured. Theres no movement there. And he even got both feet in bounds. So that makes it a good catch.

Joe Theisman: Thats a good call by the official.

Mike Patrick: And with that catch Reggie Brown makes Eagles fans ask "Terrell Who?"

Paul Maguire: Ah Eagles fans aren't asking that. If they are they're nuts.

Joe Theisman: Forget about Terrell Owens off of the field when he's on the field and focussed there may not be a better player in football. I spoke with Eagles Quarterback Donovan Mcnaab this week and he told me that even though the press talks a lot about how they don't get along they have a very strong working relationship.

Mike Patrick: First and 10 for the Eagles and Mcnabb hands it off to Brian Westbrook AND HE EXPLODES THROUGH THE HOLE SHAKES A TACKLE AND IS FINALLY BROUGHT DOWN AFTER A GAIN OF 6.

Paul Maguire: Oh let me tell you something. Watch Lavar Arrington right here. You can't expect to make a tackle like this when you hit a guy like that. WATCH THIS. Wow. Whooooooop.

Whoever is calling offensive plays at Miami should be fired.

Both Miami running backs averaged over 5 yards each run.

Yet as many passes are called as runs, and except for a consecutive 3rd and 4th down, passes are called on every 3rd down.

Frerotte on third downs: 1 INT, 5 incompletes, 10 yards, 0 1st downs.

On the third and 4th down that Miami had rushes, they were on the last Miami drive, and on 3rd and 2 Brown ran 1 yard. On 4th and 1, Brown ran 5 yards. 3 plays later, on a 3rd and 3 with 2:47 left in the game, Frerotte throws the clinching interception. Absolutely awful. Did anyone watching the game see if Atlanta was making any attempt at all to defend against the run on 3rd downs?

And there was the ridiculous "double reverse" that resulted in Chambers getting tackled for -12 yards, on the first drive of the game.

I say that the responsibility for Miami's loss falls entirely on the shoulders of Frerotte and the offense coaching.

Thank you Adam, your duty's done.

The Three Amigos just went into an anti-TO screed. During which, McGuire references the TO/Hugh Douglas fight, by saying that he's never heard of two teammates fight. I guess he isn't aware that Douglas has retired, and is no longer a player on the team he is covering tonight.

I'm so glad the SNF announcing crew is keeping me updated by the minute on players that aren't currently playing.

By the way, if anyone is unaware, TO isn't playing tonight.

OH MY!

A review!

Paul Maguire is sure it's a touchdown........When he's this damn sure he's usually wrong.

Let us watch.

I don't know if I can speak for anyone else, but I am moist with anticipation.

Questions:

1: Does anyone else think that was a wasted challenge?

2: What is the point of Suzy Kolber?

Unconfirmed rumor that i'm going to start right now is that Suzy Kolber was the third wheel in the Carolina Panthers cheerleader party in the bathroom.

Thats the point of Suzy Kolber my friend.

Suzy Kolber is there just in case any drunken retired QB's are around to hit on her and make great TV.

#247: Where's Gary Hogeboom when you need him? Oh right, Guatamala.

Weighing in a little late here, but did anyone else think that McNabb got away with blatant intentional grounding on the play before the TD throw to Reggie Brown?

And, on a completely different topic, has anyone seen the attendance for the Chicago at NO game in Baton Rouge?

If T.O. is watching this game, he's laughing now.

And thus McNabb has his weekly end of half meltdown...

I don't suppose someone could tabulate how often T.O.'s name is said vs. how often McNabb, Westbrook, get their name mentioned.

WTF were the Eagles thinking with that ludicrous fake spike? Cost them any shot at points, and nearly cost them McNabb.

Field Goal? We dont need no skinkin' field goal.

I'm just following on Gamecast. Can someone tell me what just happened to end the half?

Re 249: Bruschi wouldn't have fumbled like that.

Is it me or is this suspension the most annoying turn possible for the TO show? Now, not only will we be hearing about him non-stop, but he can't play football--the only time he's tolerable!

McNabb tried to fake a spike, but no one knew that.

Everyone stood still, he was "WTF?" and then got whacked for -7 sack.

re 256
The Eagles line up like they are gonna spile it. McNabb drops back, looks to his left and gets pummeled. Sack.
Eagles rush up to the line, snap it, flag gets dropped for false start, half ends.
Yeah I know that either
1. half ends or
2. Its a penelty

Who forgot to notify Donovan McNabb that "You're not Brett Favre" means you can't do what he can, not that you can do what he can't?

uh oh... Suzy Kolber ran out of material and is reading from the 1st quarter script again

257: Re 249: Bruschi wouldn’t have fumbled like that.

I nominate this for Post of the Year.

I guess T.O. is going on the theory that any publicity is good publicity, huh?

Re 263: I was going to use Favre instead, but who would beleive it?

Paul Maguire is sure it's a catch. Then when it isn't.....he'll explain why it isn't......

Paul Maguire: Now heres why it's not a catch........

André José Adler, brazilian announcer:

"That's a complete pass to me, because it was a complete pass."

yeah, but it was a catch. He'll have to explain why the refs didn't call it that way. It was a catch when he had it trapped between his legs. The refs just made a bad call. Which is pretty normal.

Question: When the ball is between his knees, it's not moving. Shouldn't it be a catch right there? I don't think there's a rule restricting what body parts can be used to secure the football.

Just because McGuire is a doofus doesn't mean he can't be right once in a while, even if the refs don't see it that way.

Well at least Lewis didn't actually CATCH the ball:

"You want to see someone catch a ball between their legs? HERE'S A GUY..."

So the 'Skins get a 40-odd yd kick return, convert 3 3rd & longs, recover their own fumble inside the 10, and next play Portis takes it in.

Have the Eagles upset someone (other than TO)?

Where did the ball touch the ground on Lewis' catch that was ruled incomplete?

"Where did the ball touch the ground on Lewis’ catch that was ruled incomplete?"

It didn't, as far as I could tell. But it also wasn't indisputable that it didn't, thus the call stood.

What were they talking about re: the fumble out of bounds?

Reggie Brown: 5 Catches 94 Yards.

And a touchdown.

TO's laughing again.

McNabb just threw the season away.

Brown > Owens... why?

1. How can you use the phone when you cannot... speak?
2. They don't cover him like Owens.

Only 99 more to catch TO.

Good question from the booth. 4th & 4, and the game is on the line. Why isn't Bryan Westbrook on the field?

282: been said elsewhere - but no one takes a play fake seriously when you don't have much of a running game. The pick just added insult to injury.

If you're only going to get 45 yards rushing, having TO play just might be a good idea.

282-3:

No doubt. What the hell were Reid/Childress thinking on that play call? Given that you don't even respect your own running game, why would you: 1) Line up in the I? 2) With Lamar Gordon as your tailback? 3) Run a play fake and expect anyone to bite?

That seemed like a perfect place to spread the formation and give McNabb the option to take it straight up the gut if that's available or find someone on a crossing route if it's not.

Comments on the Three Stooges:

1)Paul Maguire thinks Hugh Douglas is still playing.

2)One of the Stooges said "I'd like that job" (to sit around getting paid while suspended). Well, think about your current job. You're getting paid to be on national TV and talk about something you have no clue about. Someone is stealing money here.

3)They called Reggie Brown "McMullen", and Derrick Dockery "John"

4)They of course had to refer to the "performing an unnatural act" from last week.

5)One of the morons called Arrington "bright". Maybe compared to you he's bright. Arrington is one of the biggest dumb%^#es around.

Other comments:

1)Joe Bugel is a psychopath.

2)The Redskins continue to have unnatural amounts of long 3rd down conversions and fumble recoveries.

3)If the Eagles had downed that punt at the 1, the penalty would've been like 3 inches instead of 10 yards.

4)Why the heck didn't McNabb spike the ball? That play was never going to work. There wasn't even time to set up protection from the pass rush. Dumb, dumb decision.

5)Why didn't Washington snap the punt at 5 seconds left on the play clock instead of calling a TO? I never understood this. 3 seconds is not worth a TO you might need later. That almost came back to burn them.

Finally, on Chris Berman:

1)I hate Chris Berman. "The New York Football Giants" are the "New York Giants", for anyone with a brain. The New York baseball Giants have been extinct for around 50 years. Plus, he talks down to everyone. He's always trying to make really simple concepts sound complicated.

2)What is with his weird Indian war cry? Is he all there?

Okay, maybe this isn't the thread for it, but if TO can get more mentions on SNF than Westbrook, McNabb and Bruschi combined, why not here?

Does anyone else think that Michael Irvin is trying to sabotage the Eagles, using TO as his pawn?

TO wears an Irvin jersey (which I'm supposing Michael gave him as a "gift"). This of course causes problems, TO gets publicity, the Eagles get irritated, TO gets his feelings hurt.

Irvin hypothesizes that the Eagles would be 7-0 if Favre were QBing in favor of McNabb. TO is then asked to weigh in on this sentiment, like a good little pawn takes the bait.

The joke in philly about the superbowl last year is that Eagles fans haven't been this excited since they thought Michael Irvin was paralyzed. That diabolical Irvin. He's got those Eagles right where he wants them.

On Polamalu's fumble return, I swear the packer left tackle flinched before the snap. Anyone got this game on tape?

Homefield was big for redskins, snyder taking away season tickets from scalpers eliminated many philly fans from ruining the homefield advantagae for the redskins.

This was only mentioned once but vick was pretty efficient, against a nick saban defense no less, when many on this site felt the dolphins would upset the falcons. Oh and if you haven't heard vick go off in the post game conference go find it. In a nutshell he said, i spit on passing dvoa statistics and those who base my quarterbacking ability on them.

Okay, I've just heard the Eagle's season screech off of the Schuylkill and careen to the bottom of the river.
So I guess it's time for some analysis on where I think things went wrong.

The single biggest issue this year is McNabb's injury. The Eagles made a huge mistake by not getting McNabb's groin fixed before the bye and chancing it for a few weeks afterward. The thought behind this is simple: The Eagles may have a shot with McMahon in there against the teams on their schedule after the bye. They have severly diminished odds in the playoffs and no shot in the Superbowl if McNabb is not 100%. By not getting McNabb's hernia addressed they may have increased their chances of making the playoffs, but they are probably sick of making the playoffs and not getting more hardware for it.

The second biggest issue is the special teams. Akers injured, Dirk Johnson injured this is all hurting them, but they don't seem to be able to cover kicks and punts either. I don't know what's the chicken and what's the egg here, if missing your kickers impact coverages substantially, but this can't explain everything.

The third biggest issue is the defense. They're not the shutdown unit they were last year. They made some good plays tonight, but they just don't seem to be forcing turnovers or bending but not breaking like they used to.

TO...you're at most number 4 on this list. Enjoy.

RE: 189

It's actually 9 blockers versus 11 defenders.

Have I entered a demented bizar-o world...on ESPN there was that Andrew WK (which could stand for weak, whack..what have you) song that usually is flogging Coors Light, doing a re-cap of the plays. Isn't that supposed to happen on Monday night with Tim McGraw?

If anyone caught the McNabb's press conference after the game, did his comment that Hey, we're 4-4 not 1-7, seem like a little swipe at...ummm...Brett Favre?

Thoughts from Sunday Night. Was able to watch the game with a die hard Eagles fan at a bar... me being a die hard Redskins fan.

1) Why hasn't Reggie Brown been playing more? He completely smoked Sean Taylor.
2) I'm glad we watched it at a bar and couldn't hear the commentary.
3) On the Brown "catch" between the legs... if you catch the ball between your legs does that count as "control"? The ref's did a poor job, as 2 signaled it was a catch, and then the Redskins went ballistic, at which point one came flying in and signaled it hit the ground.
4a) McNabb is the media darling, but I sense the fans starting to turn on him. The fake spike play was by far the highlight of the game... it was almost like he asked to be blindsides... I'm glad Redskins defense didn't loaf through that.
4b) My co-worker pretty much nailed the end of the game. Although football fans are known to not have much faith in their teams. On first down close to the goal he called a McNabb interception, although I was calling for a McNabb scramble and TD throw. The 4th down play call s-u-c-k... SUCKED, again Eagle fan was calling for them to run and upset that they didn't have a running game. I have to agree, and I don't know how Westbrook fits in.
5) Didn't we pretty much just witness why their run/pass ratio was like it was? If Philadelphia calls more passes, I think they would've had a better chance in the game.

The 49ers had 21 1st down plays against the Giants. The breakdown:

1 run for 6 yards.
2 runs for 1 yard each.
2 runs for 0 yards each.
2 runs for -1 yard each.
2 runs for -3 yards each.
3 incomplete passes.
2 sacks, -5 and -7 yards.
2 offensive holding penalties.
2 defensive holding penalties.
1 defensive pass interference penalty for 6 yards.
1 defense roughing the passer penalty.
1 kneeldown for -1 yard.

Is this the worst 1st down performance ever?

RE: 238

Adam, I love your parodies of the 3 stooges. All you really need is "Last night I talked to..." and "NOW WATCH THIS! Right here! You see he has the ball!" That basically sums up the SNF crew, except when they get to talk all game about the Magnificent Tedy Bruschi or the Effervescent Brett Favre.

RE: 241

You beat me to my comment. That was my reaction as well, but I wasn't able to get to a computer until after the game was over.

#292:

It's official: the Eagles, I, and the rest of the Eagles' fans have reached the point where we will gripe about people saying that the team is bad by poining out all the teams that we are not worse than. For example, if the Patriots lose on MNF, we will have the same record as them.

(Of course, I don't think that matters, as the Patriots are unchallenged at the top of the AFC East, while the Eagles are alone at the bottom, and there is so much competition for division leaders in the NFC this year that the NFC South might send three teams to the playoffs.)

Also, the recovery time for a typical sports hernia surgery is about 6 weeks.

RE: 263

I nominate that for Repetitive Post of the Week.

re 294:

Check out Miami's performance on third downs versus Atlanta.

RE: 298

I nominate this for Weekly Repetitive Post of the Week, yes I do.